CN101738893B

CN101738893B - Image forming apparatus and method for controlling image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN101738893B
Application number: CN2009101783830A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 大吉和博
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2008-11-25
Filing date: 2009-11-25
Publication date: 2012-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 2029-11-25
Also published as: KR20100059701A; US8254796B2; JP5371392B2; US20100129100A1; CN101738893A; JP2010127984A; KR101137307B1

Abstract

An image forming apparatus controls a sheet to be conveyed to a fixing unit with a first conveyance speed in case a charged amount of a recording agent in a developing unit is larger than a predetermined charged amount, and controls the sheet to be conveyed to the fixing unit with a second conveyance speed, which is slower than the first conveyance speed, when the charged amount of the recording agent in the developing unit is smaller than the predetermined charged amount.

Description

The control method of image processing system and image processing system

Technical field

The present invention relates to the control method of a kind of image processing system and image processing system.

Background technology

When recording sheet passes through the fixation unit of image processing system, cause generating water vapor owing to containing moisture in this recording sheet.In this case, the toner on the recording sheet (recording agent) is captured water vapor, thereby produces the phenomenon that water vapor dispels unfixing toner.

This phenomenon is significant in fine rule.For example, this phenomenon is called " hangover (tailing) ", is staying tail in the lay marks of arranging on the direction that is parallel to the recording sheet throughput direction perpendicular to some position on the direction of recording sheet throughput direction because seem.The factor that causes trailing will hereinafter be described.

Japanese patent application laid is opened the 2007-206412 communique and has been discussed a kind of like this technology, and it is through changing print speed according to the residual quantity of toners in the box, the even generation of density unevenness when suppressing to print.The relation that japanese patent application laid has been opened technical concerns in the 2007-206412 communique between residual quantity of toners and the toner replenishing ability; Wherein, When residual quantity of toners arrives threshold values or threshold value when following, reduce print speed and guarantee the toner replenishing ability.

Japanese patent application laid is opened the 2002-244370 communique and has been discussed a kind of like this technology; In this technology; User mode (about the information of number of pages and toner use amount) according to box is come the edge of inspection image data; With the concentration of the view data of proofreading and correct this edge, thereby suppress the generation of streak image.

Japanese patent application laid is opened the 2007-206412 communique and had not both been paid close attention to the relation between residual quantity of toners and the streak image generation, the also non-generation that is intended to suppress said streak image.Therefore, open in the 2007-206412 communique in japanese patent application laid, when residual quantity of toners was sufficient, print speed was high.Therefore, streak image (its reason will hereinafter be described) might appear.

Though the technology that japanese patent application laid is opened in the 2002-244370 communique is to suppress the generation of streak image, its control is very complicated, because want the edge of first inspection image data, the concentration of the view data at calibration edge place then.Open in the 2002-244370 communique in japanese patent application laid, owing to changed the concentration of view data, therefore, the concentration of image of concentration and user expectation of image of actual output inequality.

Summary of the invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, a kind of image processing system is provided, this image processing system comprises: developing cell, and it is constructed to the service recorder agent image on the photosensitive drums is developed; Transfer printing unit, it is constructed to the image that is developed is transferred on the sheet material; Fixation unit, it is constructed to the image of institute's transfer printing is carried out photographic fixing; Agitating unit, it is constructed to the said recording agent that is stored in the said developing cell is stirred; And control module; It is constructed to also stir under the situation of said recording agent at said agitating unit; Control carries said sheet material to make said sheet material pass through said fixation unit with the 1st transporting velocity; And also do not stir under the situation of said recording agent at said agitating unit, control carries said sheet material to make said sheet material pass through said fixation unit with the 2nd transporting velocity slower than said the 1st transporting velocity.

With reference to the detailed description of accompanying drawing to exemplary embodiment, other characteristics of the present invention and aspect will become clear through following.

Description of drawings

Be merged in instructions and constitute the accompanying drawing of the part of instructions, illustration exemplary embodiment of the present invention, characteristic and aspect, and be used for explaining principle of the present invention with text description.

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of example of the structure of illustration printer.

Fig. 2 illustration the example of structure of Printer Engine.

Fig. 3 is the process flow diagram of illustration by an example of the printing control of printer controller execution.

Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B are the process flow diagrams of an example of the processing of the illustration state that is used for confirming handle box.

Fig. 5 is the process flow diagram of an example of the processing of the illustration transporting velocity translative mode that is used to calculate recording sheet.

Embodiment

Below with reference to accompanying drawings, describe various exemplary embodiment of the present invention, characteristic and aspect in detail.

Before describing, will describe hangover according to exemplary embodiment of the present invention.A kind of like this tendency is arranged, promptly when toner Cartridge is brand-new, trail the most easily, and along with the use of this toner Cartridge, can so easier hangover.

In addition, a kind of like this tendency is arranged, promptly when the transporting velocity of recording sheet is fast, trail easily, and when transporting velocity is slow, be not easy to trail.This is because recording sheet receives heat from fixation unit mode is different because of the difference of recording sheet transporting velocity.More particularly, recording sheet is sharply to receive heat or it is different slowly receiving heat.

The reason that has this tendency (promptly when toner Cartridge is new, trail the most easily, and along with the use of this toner Cartridge, trail no longer easily) will be described below.

Toner in the new toner Cartridge is uncharged.After toner Cartridge used, the toner that not only is transferred on the recording sheet was charged, and the toner in the toner Cartridge also becomes charged.If toner Cartridge lays up, the electric charge that then accumulates on the toner discharges gradually.

When carrying out printing under the charged state of the toner in toner Cartridge, the electriferous state that is transferred to the toner on the recording sheet also becomes good.Since toner under strong attachment state by photographic fixing to recording sheet, therefore suppressed the generation of hangover.

New toner Cartridge is filled toner.Yet after toner Cartridge was brought into use, along with the consumption of toner, the amount of the toner in the toner Cartridge reduced gradually.Therefore, the toner in the toner Cartridge is charged easily.As a result, become gradually and be not easy to trail.

The reason that has this tendency (promptly when the transporting velocity of recording sheet is fast, trail easily, and when transporting velocity is slow, be not easy to trail) will be described below.

When the transporting velocity of recording sheet was fast, recording sheet received heat sharp from fixation unit.This has increased the power that makes moisture contained in the recording sheet become water vapor and distribute.When this power surpasses when toner looked like to remain on the power on the recording sheet, toner disperses, and so just produces and trails.

On the contrary, when the transporting velocity of recording sheet was slow, recording sheet received heat lentamente from fixation unit.Therefore, moisture contained in the recording sheet little by little becomes water vapor, and the power of distributing of water vapor is disperseed and weakened.Therefore, the toner on the recording sheet looks like to be not easy to receive the influence that water vapor distributes power, has prevented that toner from dispersing.

Therefore, have been found that, can be suppressed at the hangover that produces on the print image through eliminating above-mentioned factor.Below with reference to accompanying drawings, describe in detail according to exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of illustration according to the example of the structure of the printer of the 1st exemplary embodiment.

The CPU of printer controller unit 101 (CPU) 102 uses random-access memory (ram) 104 as working storage; According to the program or the set information that are stored in ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) 103 or the nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) 107, control whole device through system bus 111.

ROM 103 is the store fonts data also.RAM 104 also as reception buffer, be used for storing the impact damper of the view data of rasterisation and the impact damper that is used to send images to Printer Engine temporarily.NVRAM 107 goes back the storage operation count value.

Image formation unit (or graphics processing unit) 106 carry out various Flame Image Process according to the control of CPU 102 to print data, and will experience the image data storage of drawing in video memory 105.

HPI (IF) the 108th, CPU 102 are used for communicating to receive the interface of print job from this main PC 1001 with principal computer (PC) 1001.HPI (IF) 108 also sends to main PC 1001 with status information etc.HPI (IF) 108 for example is the serial bus interface such as USB or IEEE1394 etc.

HPI (IF) 108 can be to be used for the interface that communicates with main PC 1001.Therefore, HPI (IF) 108 can be to be used for the wireline interface or the wave point that are connected with LAN or internet.

Panel IF 109 is a kind of like this interfaces, and CPU 102 imports various operational orders and makes guidance panel 2001 show various message from guidance panel 2001 through this interface.Guidance panel 2001 comprises that the LCD (LCD) that is used to show various buttons and operation screen is as touch-screen.

Engine IF 110 is a kind of like this interfaces; CPU 102 communicates with from Printer Engine 3001 receiving status informations or other information through this interface and Printer Engine 3001, and the view data that will be stored in the video memory 105 outputs to Printer Engine 3001.

Timer 112 is according to the information of indicating current date from the request output of CPU 102.The user can use guidance panel 2001 that the date of timer 112 is set.

Handle box (PCRG) 301 can be installed in the Printer Engine in 3001.Handle box 301 comprises label IC 321 and agitating unit 322, and label IC 321 storages are about the information of type of device, new box information and date and time information etc., and the toner (recording agent) in the developing cell of 322 pairs of boxes of agitating unit stirs.Can be via engine IF 110, from being installed in the label IC reading of data on the handle box (PCRG) 301 or writing data to this label IC.

PCRG history management unit 113 comes the history of management processing box 301 according to the control of CPU 102.History can be managed by handle box 301 in such a way, promptly through Printer Engine 3001, comes the information of reading and recording on the label IC 321 that handle box 301 is installed, and date and time information is written to label IC 321.Date and time information not only can be recorded on the label IC 321, and can be recorded on the nonvolatile memory (for example, NVRAM 107).

Residual quantity of toners detecting unit 114 comes counting in the view data of instrumentation print job according to the control of CPU 102, thereby estimates the amount of the toner that will consume by accumulated value.

Under the situation of host-based printer, main PC 1001 can carry out this processing.Can detect residual quantity of toners through using the value of the residual quantity of toners sensor (not shown) in the developing cell 306.In this case, suppose that residual quantity of toners sensor (not shown) is arranged in the handle box 301, and be electrically connected to the residual quantity of toners detecting sensor.

PCRG status determining unit 115 is connected to handle box 301, and confirms the state of handle box 301 according to the control of CPU 102.More particularly; The historical information of PCRG status determining unit 115 PCR-based G history management unit 113, the residual quantity of toners information of residual quantity of toners detecting unit 114 and stir detecting unit 116 about whether having carried out the information that stirs, estimate the electriferous state of the toner (recording agent) in the developing cell.As a result, can progressively confirm as the result of print execution and possibly produce the degree of streak image.

Stirring detecting unit 116 indicates the agitating unit 322 in the developing cell 306 of handle boxes 301 whether to carry out stirring operation.When carrying out the stirring operation of handle box 301 during the initial operation of agitating unit 322 during at electric power starting, stir detecting unit 116 sign is set, when print processing is accomplished, stir detecting unit 116 and reset and should indicate.When agitating unit 322 is carried out the stirring operation of handle box 301 through calibration operation, stir detecting unit 116 sign also is set.

Sheet material transporting velocity translative mode computing unit 117 calculates the translative mode of sheet material transporting velocity according to the control of CPU 102.When carrying out printing with slow-print mode; Definite result of sheet material transporting velocity translative mode computing unit 117 PCR-based G status determining unit 115; Calculating changes to print speed in printing model and prints how many pages or leaves before the pattern faster, and the time that just can be used in the whole print job of printing is the shortest.

Consider the time that conversion spent of printing model, sheet material transporting velocity translative mode computing unit 117 can be controlled under the slow pattern of print speed, to print whole print job.

For example; At fast mode is that 16ppm, slow mode are time that conversion spent of 10ppm and printing model to be under 3 seconds the situation of Printer Engine; If to print job last and pattern is changed to fast mode, then the time-write interval is increased to the time-write interval of being longer than under slow mode the whole print job of printing.

Describe as hardware block to each unit of sheet material transporting velocity translative mode computing unit 117 from timer 112.Yet, can they be managed on RAM 104 by CPU 102 according to the program among the ROM 103.

Fig. 2 illustration the example of structure of Printer Engine 3001.

Handle box 301 comprises photosensitive drums 302, clearer 303, charging roller 304, development sleeve 305, developing cell 306, residual quantity of toners sensor 307, label IC 321 and the agitating unit 322 that is wholely set.Handle box 301 is removably mounted on the main body of Printer Engine 3001.

Below, form processing with describing the image of carrying out by Printer Engine 3001.At first, charging roller 304 makes photosensitive drums 302 uniform charging.Then, picture signal is supplied to laser scanner 320.According to picture signal, utilize laser beam that photosensitive drums 302 is carried out scan exposure, on photosensitive drums 302, form electrostatic latent image thus.

Polygonal scanner (not shown) by in the laser scanner 320 carries out raster scanning to laser beam.Optical system in the laser scanner 320 and folding mirror 309 form the dot pattern picture on photosensitive drums 302, thereby form electrostatic latent image.

Develop by 306 pairs of electrostatic latent images of developing cell.Using transition development (jumpingdevelopment), bi-component development or FEED development develops to electrostatic latent image.Main use discharged-area development, wherein, to eliminate the electric charge on the photosensitive drums 302, toner is attached to be had on the part of little charge on the photosensitive drums 302 laser beam towards record part a bit.Agitating unit 322 stirs the toner in the developing cell 306 according to the control of CPU102.

On the other hand, recording sheet is stored in the sheet material box 318.Box well heater 317 can heat the inside of sheet material box 318 and come recording sheet is dehumidified.CPU 102 can control enclosure well heater 317 add heat (intensity) or On/Off.

When receiving the print job of autonomous PC 1001, CPU 102 control sheet material feed rolls 310 are delivered to transport path so that recording sheet is given from sheet material box 318.Recording sheet is carried by conveying

roller

311 and 312, and supplies to transfer printing unit by timing roller 313 according to the timing that forms the toner picture.

Then, the toner that on photosensitive drums 302, forms looks like to be transferred roller 308 and is transferred on the recording sheet.Transfer roll 308 is processed by the conductive elastic component of soft.Transfer roll 308 uses bias field to carry out the static printing of toner picture at the roll gap portion place that is formed by photosensitive drums 302 and transfer roll 308.

Transfer printing has the recording sheet of toner picture to be transported to fixation unit 315, at fixation unit 315 places, through heating and pressurization toner is melted and photographic fixing.Then, by distributing roller 314 recording sheet is discharged to discharge pallet 319.

On the other hand, be not transferred to the blade that the toner of recording sheet is set on the clearer 303 and scrape off from photosensitive drums 302, thus cleaning photosensitive drums 302.

Printer Engine 3001 has not shown environmental sensor.CPU 102 obtains the environmental information such as near temperature the Printer Engine 3001 and humidity etc. from the signal of environmental sensor, form processing thereby can suitably control above-mentioned image.

Printer Engine 3001 is configured to the control according to CPU 102, forms the processing speed of handling through changing carries out image, comes under two kinds of patterns (promptly in the fast pattern of print speed with in the slow pattern of print speed), to operate.

[printing control]

The process flow diagram of an example of Fig. 3 printing control that to be illustration carried out according to the program among the ROM 103 by the CPU 102 of printer controller unit 101.

When main PC 1001 inputs comprise a plurality of pages print job, the process flow diagram shown in Fig. 3 begins.

In step S301, the information of CPU 102 reading and recording on the label IC of handle box 301 is to confirm whether handle box is new.Confirm that handle box is not new (" denying " among the step S301) if handle, then handle entering into step S303.

When handle box in step S301 is new (" being " among the step S301), handle entering into step S302.In step S302, the new box information among the CPU 102 deletion label IC, and be recorded in the date and time information of the indication current date that obtains from timer 112 on the label IC.

Next, in step S303, CPU 102 carries out the initialization process that comprises calibration and stirring operation.Initialization process makes printer be in the holding state that can carry out print processing.Then, in step S304 (standby mode), CPU 102 waits for, till main PC 1001 request print jobs.

When being opened during the holding state of lid in step S304 of handle box or closing (" being " among the step S305), the content of the label IC of 102 pairs of handle boxes of CPU is confirmed, to confirm whether handle box was replaced.Processing among the step S305 confirms whether the lid of handle box is opened or closed.If the lid of handle box is opened or closed (" being " among the step S305), then handle and turn back to step S301.Otherwise, handle and enter into step S306, in step S306, handle and determined whether that print job is asked.

When during the holding state of print job in step S304 arranged, being asked (" being " among the step S306) in step S306; CPU 102 by the date and time information that is recorded in date and time information on the label IC 321, timer 112, stir sign and, confirm the electriferous state (step S307-confirms the state of handle box) of the toner in the developing cell about the information of residual quantity of toners.Asked (" denying " among the step S306) if handle definite no print job, then handled the standby mode that turns back to step S304.

Because the electriferous state of the toner in the developing cell is relevant with the user mode of handle box 301, therefore, can confirm the electriferous state of toner through confirming this user mode.More particularly, PCRG status determining unit 115 is carried out the processing of following description according to the control of CPU 102.

PCRG status determining unit 115 by the historical information in the PCRG history management unit 113, in the residual quantity of toners detecting unit 114 residual quantity of toners information and stir the stirring information in the detecting unit 116, estimate the electriferous state of the toner (recording agent) in the developing cell 306.By this result, PCRG status determining unit 115 confirms under the situation of carrying out printing, possibly occur the degree of streak image.

Next, CPU 102 makes sheet material transporting velocity translative mode computing unit 117 can carry out the processing of following description.In step S308 (calculating the transporting velocity translative mode); Sheet material transporting velocity translative mode computing unit 117 is by the electriferous state (being the user mode of handle box) and the print job of the toner in the developing cell of in step S307, confirming 306, calculates will how to change print speed and could in the shortest time, accomplish printing.

Then, in step S309, CPU 102 carries out print processing according to the print speed that in step S308, calculates.After in step S309, accomplishing print processing, CPU102 upgrades the date and time information among the label IC 321 in step S310, handles turning back to step S304 then.

Based on the unused time that whether has stirred toner, residual quantity of toners and developing cell 306, the electriferous state of the toner in the developing cell 306 is confirmed as any one in the level 0 to 5.Through PCRG history management unit 113,, can obtain the unused time of developing cell 306 based on the date and time information of record and the date and time information (current date) on the timer 112 on the label IC 321.

Table 1 illustration the relation between the print speed (with respect to the sheet material transporting velocity of fixation unit 315) at charged level and Printer Engine 3001 places of the toner in the developing cell 306.The charged level of toner is high more, and the carried charge of toner is more little, this means easy the hangover.Therefore, the number of pages that under the slow pattern of print speed, will print increases.

[table 1]

The charged level of the toner in the developing cell 306	Print speed
		Level 5 (trailing easily)	Low velocity is issued to 5 pages
Level 4	Low velocity is issued to 4 pages
		Level 3	Low velocity is issued to 3 pages
Level 2	Low velocity is issued to 2 pages
		Level 1	Under the low velocity only 1 page
Level 0 (possibly not trail)	Normal speed

When the unused time of developing cell 306 was long, the electric charge that accumulates on the toner discharged, so that trails easily.On the contrary, when not in use between in short-term, unlikely trail.

When residual quantity of toners for a long time, in the developing cell 306 during print processing owing to being not easy to build up electric charge on the toner of printing the toner consumed, consequently trail easily.On the contrary, when residual quantity of toners after a little while, be not easy to trail.

When not carrying out stirring, the toner in the developing cell 306 (or handle box 301) is charged unevenly, so that trails easily.On the contrary, when having carried out stirring, be not easy to trail.

The level of the electriferous state of the toner in the developing cell 306 and the relation between the print speed are described below.Print speed is represented with the number of pages of the paper of the A4 size that can print in 1 minute.

Level 0 is meant the state that hangover takes place least easily, this means that print speed does not need to reduce.Level 1 is meant a kind of like this state, if promptly to carry out 1 page printing than the slow-footed speed of normal printing, then can not trail.Equally, level 2 is meant a kind of like this state, if promptly to print 2 pages than the slow-footed speed of normal printing, then can not trail.Level 3 is meant a kind of like this state, if promptly to print 3 pages than the slow-footed speed of normal printing, then can not trail.Level 4 is meant a kind of like this state, if promptly to print 4 pages than the slow-footed speed of normal printing, then can not trail.Level 5 is meant the state of most possible generation hangover, this means to print nearly 5 pages with slow speed.

As stated, confirm print speed according to the level of the electriferous state of the toner in the developing cell 306.

Confirm print speed in advance according to said level.The degree that each level print speed is descended with respect to normal printing speed has more than been described.Yet the present invention is not limited to this.Specifically, can come to confirm in advance print speed according to each level.

Fig. 4 is the process flow diagram of an example of the processing of the illustration state that is used for confirming developing cell 306 (handle box 301).Process flow diagram shown in Fig. 4 is carried out according to the program among the ROM 103 by CPU 102.

In step S401, CPU 102 at first confirms to stir sign through stirring detecting unit 116, whether carries out stirring operation to confirm agitating unit 322.

When in step S401, confirming not carry out stirring operation (" denying " among the step S401), CPU102 detects residual quantity of toners through residual quantity of toners detecting unit 114.Then, in step S402, CPU 102 is smaller or equal to 30%, more than or equal to 30% and smaller or equal to 90% or more than or equal to 90% according to residual quantity of toners, selects following step.

When residual quantity of toners smaller or equal to 30% the time, CPU 102 utilizes PCRG status determining unit 115 to detect the unused time of developing cell 306.In step S403, CPU 102 according to unused time be less than 5 minutes, 5 to 20 minutes, 20 to 60 minutes or more than 60 minutes, in the scope of level 0 to level 3, confirm the electriferous state of the toner in the present developing cell 306.

When residual quantity of toners more than or equal to 30% and smaller or equal to 90% the time; In step S404; CPU 102 according to unused time be less than 3 minutes, 3 to 20 minutes, 20 to 30 minutes, 30 to 60 minutes or more than 60 minutes, in the scope of level 0 to level 4, confirm the electriferous state of the toner in the present developing cell 306.

When residual quantity of toners more than or equal to 90% the time; In step S405; CPU 102 according to unused time be less than 1 minute, 1 to 10 minute, 10 to 20 minutes, 20 to 30 minutes, 30 to 60 minutes or more than 60 minutes, in the scope of level 0 to level 5, confirm the electriferous state of the toner in the present developing cell 306.

When CPU in step S401 102 confirmed to carry out stirring operation, CPU 102 detected residual quantity of toners through residual quantity of toners detecting unit 114.In step S406, CPU 102 is smaller or equal to 20%, more than or equal to 20% and smaller or equal to 80% or more than or equal to 80% according to detected residual quantity of toners, selects following step.

When residual quantity of toners smaller or equal to 20% the time; In step S407; CPU 102 according to the unused time of developing cell 306 be less than 5 minutes, 5 to 20 minutes, 20 to 60 minutes or more than 60 minutes, in the scope of level 0 to level 3, confirm the state of the toner in the present developing cell 306.

When residual quantity of toners more than or equal to 20% and smaller or equal to 80% the time; In step S408; CPU 102 according to the unused time of developing cell 306 be less than 3 minutes, 3 to 20 minutes, 20 to 30 minutes, 30 to 60 minutes or more than 60 minutes, in the scope of level 0 to level 4, confirm the electriferous state of the toner in the present developing cell 306.

When residual quantity of toners more than or equal to 80% the time; In step S409; CPU 102 according to the unused time of developing cell 306 be less than 1 minute, 1 to 10 minute, 10 to 20 minutes, 20 to 30 minutes, 30 to 60 minutes or more than 60 minutes, in the scope of level 0 to level 5, confirm the electriferous state of the toner in the present developing cell 306.

In the above described manner, CPU 102 confirms the level of the electriferous state of the toner in the developing cell 306.

In this above-mentioned exemplary embodiment, CPU 102 confirms the electriferous state of the toner in the developing cell 306.Yet the present invention is not limited to this.More particularly, can be by the electriferous state of the toner in definite developing cells 306 such as printer 3001, developing cell 306, main PC 1001.

In this exemplary embodiment, perhaps whether carried out stirring operation based on residual quantity of toners, unused time, confirm the electriferous state of the toner in the developing cell 306.Yet the present invention is not limited to this.More particularly, can confirm the electriferous state of toner based on one or more above-mentioned factors.In addition, can confirm the electriferous state of toner through directly measuring the carried charge in the developing cell 306.

In this above-mentioned exemplary embodiment; Carry out based on handle box 301 and to print control, handle box 301 comprises photosensitive drums 302, clearer 303, charging roller 304, development sleeve 305, developing cell 306 and the residual quantity of toners sensor 307 integrally formed with handle box 301.

Yet, not under the situation of integrally formed toner Cartridge at these parts, can carry out in a similar fashion and print control according to the user mode of toner Cartridge.Even toner therein is not under the situation of box type by supply to the device of developing cell, also can use mode same as described above, confirm the state of toner according to the user mode of developing cell, print control to carry out.

Fig. 5 is the process flow diagram of an example of the processing of the illustration transporting velocity translative mode of calculating recording sheet.Fig. 5 is CPU 102 makes the processing of sheet material transporting velocity translative mode computing unit 117 execution according to the program among the ROM 103 a flow process.

In this exemplary embodiment, the calculating of the transporting velocity translative mode of sheet material transporting velocity translative mode computing unit 117 executive logging sheet materials.Yet, the calculating of the transporting velocity translative mode that CPU 102 also can the executive logging sheet material.

In this process flow diagram, be T1 changing the timing definition that printing model spent, be T2 under the slow pattern of print speed, printing 1 page of timing definition that is spent, and be 1 page of timing definition that is spent of printing under normal print mode T3.

Be defined as M to the residue number of pages of the print job that can under any one printing model, print, and print the short number of pages of taking time under the normal mode and be defined as X under the slow pattern of print speed, printing than changing to.

At first, in step S501, CPU 102 confirms whether the level (L) of developing cell 306 is 0.When the level (L) of developing cell 306 in step S501 is 0 (being " being " among the step S501), mean to be not easy to trail, handle and enter into step S508, in step S508, under normal print mode, print whole print job.

When the level (L) of developing cell 306 in step S501 is not 0 (being " denying " among the step S501), handle entering into step S502.In step S502, CPU 102 with the number of pages (J) of print job with by the level (L) of handle box definite, to compare with the number of pages (L) that low velocity is printed continuously.

To be to print the number of pages that is not easy to trail with the number of pages (L) that low velocity is printed continuously, and be set to predetermined number of pages owing to continuous.

When L is set to be scheduled to number of pages, change print speed (transporting velocity) as follows, promptly after the beginning print processing, print the 1st to the L page or leaf, and print L page or leaf page or leaf afterwards with normal printing speed with low velocity.

When J≤L in step S502 satisfies (" being " among the step S502), in step S507, under the print speed printing model slower, print whole print job than normal print mode.

When J≤L in step S502 does not satisfy (" denying " among the step S502), handle entering into step S503.In the step of step S503 back, CPU 102 calculates and before printing model changes, prints how many pages or leaves, just can make the time of printing whole print job the shortest.

In step S503 (promptly obtaining the residue number of pages (M) (obtaining the value of J-L) of any print job that prints down that can be in two printing models), use the value of J-L to calculate the residue number of pages (M) of the print job that can under any printing model, print.Then, in step S504, obtain to satisfy equation T2 * X=T1+ (value (X) of T3 * X).Next, in step S505, compare the value of M and the value of X.

When M≤X in step S505 satisfies (" being " among the step S505), handle entering into step S507.In step S507, under the print speed printing model slower, print whole print job than normal print mode.

When M≤X in step S505 does not satisfy (" denying " among the step S505), handle entering into step S506.In step S506, under the print speed printing model slower, print the L page or leaf of front than normal print mode, then, printing model is changed to normal print mode print the page or leaf after the L page or leaf, promptly remaining M page or leaf.Processing finishes.

For example, if in Printer Engine, the speed under the normal print mode is 16ppm, and the speed under the slow mode is 10ppm, and changing the time that printing model will spend for example is 3 seconds, T1=3 then, T2=6, T3=3.75.In this case, obtain X=1 as result of calculation.Therefore, when under normal print mode only print job printed last 1 page the time, longer than under slow mode, printing the time-write interval that whole print job spent.

Therefore, when carrying out print processing with level 5, the control that is described below.That is to say,, then under slow mode, print all pages or leaves if print job comprises 6 pages or page or leaf still less, and if print job comprises 7 pages or multipage more, then under slow mode 5 pages of the printing front, and remaining 2 pages of printing under normal mode.

In this exemplary embodiment, in printing equipment, carry recording sheet with low transporting velocity, but the present invention is not limited to this.

When recording sheet when fixation unit receives heat sharp, make water evaporates contained in the recording sheet and the power of dispersing significantly increases.Therefore, trail easily.Correspondingly, when recording sheet when the fixation unit 315, make the sheet material transporting velocity be reduced to and definite speed is enough to meet the demands according to the electriferous state of the toner in the developing cell 306.

Therefore; Can control; So that before arriving fixation unit, with than based on the electriferous state of the toner in the developing cell 306 and definite high speed of sheet material transporting velocity is carried recording sheet; And before just arriving fixation unit, make transporting velocity decelerate to and definite sheet material transporting velocity based on the electriferous state of toner.

The present invention is applicable to system or the integrating device that is configured to by a plurality of equipment (for example, principal computer, interfacing equipment, printer controller, Printer Engine), perhaps is applicable to the device by an equipment structure.

The present invention can realize through the storage medium (or recording medium) that stores the control program of the function that realizes above-mentioned exemplary embodiment to system or unit feeding.The present invention also can read and carry out the program code that is stored in the storage medium through the computing machine (or CPU or microprocessing unit (MPU)) by system or device and realize.

In this case, the program code that from storage medium, reads itself has been realized the function of above-mentioned exemplary embodiment, and the storage medium of the code that has program stored therein has constituted the present invention.

The present invention not only comprises the situation of coming realization example property embodiment through the code that is read by the computing machine execution; And comprise that computer based carries out the situation of the part or all of actual treatment that will be undertaken by the operating system (OS) that runs on the computing machine in the instruction of program code; Wherein, realized the function of above-mentioned exemplary embodiment through these processing.

In addition, the program code that from storage medium, reads, write the function expansion card in the computing machine of planting or be equipped with the storer of giving the functional expansion unit that is connected to computing machine.Afterwards, the CPU that be equipped with to give function expansion card or functional expansion unit comes operating part based on the instruction of program code or all handles.These handle the function that can realize above-mentioned exemplary embodiment certainly.

When applying the present invention to above-mentioned storage medium, with foregoing process flow diagram corresponding programs code storage in storage medium.

The present invention also can only perhaps realize through the combination of hardware and software through hardware.

Though invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiment, should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to disclosed exemplary embodiment.Should give the most wide in range explanation to the scope of accompanying claims, to contain all variation, equivalent structure and function.

Claims

1. image processing system, this image processing system comprises:

Developing cell, it is constructed to the service recorder agent image on the photosensitive drums is developed;

Transfer printing unit, it is constructed to the image that is developed by said developing cell is transferred on the sheet material;

Fixation unit, it is constructed to the image that is transferred on the said sheet material by said transfer printing unit is carried out photographic fixing;

Agitating unit, it is constructed to the said recording agent that is stored in the said developing cell is stirred; And

Control module; It is constructed to stir under the situation of said recording agent at said agitating unit; Control carries said sheet material to make said sheet material pass through said fixation unit with the 1st transporting velocity; And also do not stir under the situation of said recording agent at said agitating unit, control carries said sheet material to make said sheet material pass through said fixation unit with the 2nd transporting velocity slower than said the 1st transporting velocity.

2. image processing system, this image processing system comprises:

Detecting unit, it is constructed to detect the surplus of the said recording agent in the said developing cell; And

Control module; It is constructed under the situation of surplus less than predetermined surplus of the said recording agent that is gone out by said detection; Control carries said sheet material to make said sheet material pass through said fixation unit with the 1st transporting velocity; And under the situation of surplus greater than said predetermined surplus of the said recording agent that is gone out by said detection, control carries said sheet material to make said sheet material pass through said fixation unit with the 2nd transporting velocity slower than said the 1st transporting velocity.

3. image processing system, this image processing system comprises:

The instrumentation unit, it is constructed to the unused time of the said recording agent in the said developing cell of instrumentation; And

Control module; It is constructed to be shorter than under the situation of the schedule time at the unused time by the said recording agent of said instrumentation unit instrumentation; Control carries said sheet material to make said sheet material pass through said fixation unit with the 1st transporting velocity; And be longer than under the situation of the said schedule time by the unused time of the said recording agent of said instrumentation unit instrumentation, control carry said sheet material make said sheet material with than slow the 2nd transporting velocity of said the 1st transporting velocity through said fixation unit.

4. image processing system according to claim 3; Wherein, When printing many sheet materials; Said control module controls the sheet material of the predetermined number in said many sheet materials and carry to said fixation unit with said the 2nd transporting velocity, and the residue sheet material of controlling in said many sheet materials is carried to said fixation unit with said the 1st transporting velocity being longer than under the situation of the said schedule time by the unused time of the said recording agent of said instrumentation unit instrumentation.

5. the control method of an image processing system; Said image processing system comprises the developing cell that is constructed to the service recorder agent image on the photosensitive drums is developed, be constructed to the image that is developed by said developing cell is transferred to the transfer printing unit on the sheet material and is constructed to fixation unit that the image that is transferred to said sheet material by said transfer printing unit is carried out photographic fixing, and said control method may further comprise the steps:

Said recording agent to being stored in the said developing cell stirs; And

Under the situation that has stirred said recording agent; Control carries said sheet material to make said sheet material pass through said fixation unit with the 1st transporting velocity; And under the situation that does not also stir said recording agent, control carries said sheet material to make said sheet material pass through said fixation unit with the 2nd transporting velocity slower than said the 1st transporting velocity.

6. the control method of an image processing system; Said image processing system comprises the developing cell that is constructed to the service recorder agent image on the photosensitive drums is developed, be constructed to the image that is developed by said developing cell is transferred to the transfer printing unit on the sheet material and is constructed to fixation unit that the image that is transferred to said sheet material by said transfer printing unit is carried out photographic fixing, and said control method may further comprise the steps:

Detect the surplus of the said recording agent in the said developing cell; And

Under the situation of surplus less than predetermined surplus of detected said recording agent; Control carries said sheet material to make said sheet material pass through said fixation unit with the 1st transporting velocity; And under the situation of surplus greater than said predetermined surplus of detected said recording agent, control carries said sheet material to make said sheet material pass through said fixation unit with the 2nd transporting velocity slower than said the 1st transporting velocity.

7. the control method of an image processing system; Said image processing system comprises the developing cell that is constructed to the service recorder agent image on the photosensitive drums is developed, be constructed to the image that is developed by said developing cell is transferred to the transfer printing unit on the sheet material and is constructed to fixation unit that the image that is transferred to said sheet material by said transfer printing unit is carried out photographic fixing, and said control method may further comprise the steps:

The unused time of the said recording agent in the said developing cell of instrumentation; And

Unused time at the said recording agent of institute's instrumentation is shorter than under the situation of the schedule time; Control carries said sheet material to make said sheet material pass through said fixation unit with the 1st transporting velocity; And be longer than under the situation of the schedule time at the unused time of the said recording agent of institute's instrumentation, control carry said sheet material make said sheet material with than slow the 2nd transporting velocity of said the 1st transporting velocity through said fixation unit.